Blog

New Study Finds Teens Are Engaging In Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Posted by Ted LiggettOctober 01, 2018

Though it seems at one point or another we all have engaged in dangerous or reckless driving behaviors, teens are more apt to engage in these actions than others. This can be attributed to many different factors, such as limited driving and traffic experience and pressure from peers to act out.

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) recently conducted a study in which over 100,000 teen drivers from 11 different states were surveyed regarding reckless driving behavior. The teens admitted to engaging in dangerous driving behaviors even though they knew they should not have. All of the teens that participated in the study attended high schools that have implemented a program called Teens in the Drivers Seat (TDS). TDS is a peer-to-peer traffic safety program designed to teach teen drivers about the five most dangerous behaviors associated with either driving or being a passenger in a car. Those five behaviors include: distractions, driving at night, speeding and racing, opting to not wear a seatbelt, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The study was conducted to determine what teenagers think are the most dangerous aspects of driving compared to the risky behavior they are actually engaging in when they drive. According to the survey, 23 percent of the teens admitted to driving without a seatbelt, while more than 40 percent had said they did not wear a seatbelt as a passenger. 21 percent of the teens admitted to speeding, while 16 percent said they had run a red light. Slightly more than 10 percent admitted to driving after drinking alcohol, despite admitting this was the most dangerous crash risk factor.

TTI Associate Transportation Researcher Lisa Minjares-Kyle stated, “We know teen drivers are at greater crash risk and are distracted easily when they have lots of friends with them while driving, yet many don’t recognize their peers as distractions to driving and nearly 50 percent self-reported riding and driving with peers, more than any of the other behaviors.”

Researchers also found differences in responses by gender. Male participants perceived drinking, texting, phone use, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt as the most dangerous actions to take while driving. Female participants, however, found drinking, phone use, eating, talking, and music were the most dangerous.

Driving is a Responsibility

Though teenage drivers are likely excited to get behind the wheel, driving is a responsibility. Reckless driving behaviors don’t just put drivers at risk, they also put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk for serious injuries or even death. There is no excuse for distracted driving, speeding, or any other dangerous driving behavior.

Lubbock Car Wreck Lawyers

Car accidents present many challenging obstacles for victims. Injuries can take weeks or even months to heal; and, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage can leave victims buried in debt. If you or someone you love was injured in a Lubbock car wreck, call Liggett Law Group. We can analyze your situation and pursue complete compensation on your behalf.